Liam Williams has confirmed his retirement from international rugby.
His last appearance for Wales was against France in the 2025 Guinness Six Nations.
In an international career spanning 14 years Williams, Wales senior men’s international 1095, won 93 caps for his country and scored 21 tries. He also played five Tests for the British and Irish Lions.
Speaking on social media Williams said: “I have decided that the time has come to say goodbye. The three feathers. My home. Thank you.
“I turned professional in 2011, and earned my first cap for Wales in 2012. Over the following 14 years, I had the privilege of representing my country 93 times, something I could never have imagined when I was growing up. The trophies. The wins. But also the losses. They all taught me something.
“From working as a scaffolder in Port Talbot steelworks, to pulling on that famous red jersey. It’s been a journey built on hard work, sacrifice, and the support of so many people along the way.
“The dedicated and loyal Welsh fans. Amazing team mates, great coaches, the backroom staff and friends. I will miss the buzz of the changing rooms. The clashes with opponents who also became mates. The banter with team mates, the highs and the lows. The countries I was fortunate to visit and the experiences along the way.
“To also represent the British & Irish Lions on two tours, and earn five caps, is an experience I’ll always be grateful for.
“To my wife Sophie and our little boy Leo, thank you. You’ve been my rock, and you’ve both given me a whole new perspective on what truly matters in life.
“I also want to thank my close family for the unwavering support over the years. Without you none of this would have been possible. I hope I made all of you proud.
“I step away from international rugby with no regrets, only pride, and gratitude, for the opportunity given to me. Diolch ❤️”
Wales senior men’s head coach Steve Tandy said: “Liam has been an awesome player for Wales. He had always given his all in the red jersey and scored some amazing tries.
“He and his family can be really proud of his achievements in his international career. Diolch Liam and we look forward to seeing you continue to play in your club career”.
Capped by Wales at U20 level in 2011, Williams was named in the senior Wales training squad for the first time for the match versus Australia in December 2011. He went on to make his senior Wales debut against the Barbarians on 2 June 2012 at the Millennium Stadium and was selected in the squad for the tour of Australia that summer.
Williams made his Six Nations debut against Ireland in Round 2 of the 2014 Championship, going on to play in each subsequent match of that competition. He scored his first international try and was named player of the match in the final game, a 51–3 win against Scotland.
In 2015 Williams was selected for his first Rugby World Cup, featuring in Wales’ pool matches against Uruguay, England and Australia.
Williams was one of the standout performers on the 2017 British & Irish Lions Tour of New Zealand, starting all three Tests at full-back in the drawn series.
His performances in New Zealand were outstanding, earning his spot in the Test side with his ability under the high ball and his threat on the counter-attack.
Williams won his 50th Wales cap, and scored two tries, in the record 74-24 win over Tonga in November 2018.
He then started all five matches in Wales’ 2019 Grand Slam campaign at full back and contributed a player of the match performance in the 21-13 win over England that year. He was also part of the 2021 Championship-winning squad, scoring tries against Scotland and England.
In September 2019, Williams was selected as part of the Wales squad for Rugby World Cup 2019. He started at 15 in each game he played as Wales reached the semi-finals. Williams scored his first Rugby World Cup try in the opening game against Georgia.
After impressing in the 29–25 win against Australia, Williams scored again in the following game against Fiji, helping Wales to secure their qualification for the quarter-finals. After overcoming France and booking Wales’ place in the semi-finals, Williams suffered an ankle injury ahead of the game, ruling him out of the rest of the tournament.
Williams was selected for his second British & Irish Lions Tour in 2021 and featured in two Test matches against South Africa.
The versatile winger and full-back was a late replacement in the opening Test in Cape Town and helped the Lions to a 22-17 win.
Williams then started at full-back in the third and decisive Test, playing the full 80 minutes in a narrow 19-16 defeat as the Springboks won the series 2-1.
In 2023, Williams was selected for his third Rugby World Cup when named in the Wales squad for the tournament in France. He started at full back in three of Wales’ four pool matches and the quarter-final against Argentina, scoring a try against Georgia in the final round of Pool C.
Williams scored the last of his 21 tries for Wales in the second Test against Australia in Melbourne in July 2024.